Memories of Grandma Jennie

This past month, we gathered for “Granny Jen Day” at Aunt Margaret’s. A few years ago, Aunt Margaret and Mom wanted to celebrate and acknowledge my dear Grandma Jennie on her birthday, October 4th. She was an amazing seamstress and quilter. In memory of her, we get together each fall, young and old, and enjoy a sewing day with a pot-luck lunch, treats, prizes, a few sewing hints, and lots of visiting and fun. Kristyn mentioned she didn’t know much about her great grandma Jen. I’ve been reminiscing and would like to share a few of my favorite memories.
Grandma Jennie was truly the best Grandma ever, a very special neat lady. I just loved everything about her. She was so much fun, so kind and thoughtful. My sister, Jenene and I were always excited when it was our turn to stay at her home in Richfield which was located on a main highway. Jenene and I would lay awake for hours listening to the traffic drive by and Grandma’s clock “tick”, two sounds we were not accustomed to living on a farm. I loved her bathroom. The sink and bathtub were pink. She always displayed soft, pastel pink and blue towels. There was always a bar of “dove” soap to use and the smell is so vivid in my mind. To this day, I use Dove soap and think of my Grandma.

Grandma had a shelf above her dining room table displayed with her special miniature bronze and copper kitchen pots, coffee grinder and tea pot. She would allow us to play with them for hours, as long as we were careful, and back on the shelf they would go. She also displayed a purple glass collection that she loved and was so proud of.

Grandma Jen was a manager at a very elite ladies dress shop called “Hazels” located on Main Street in Richfield. I remember going there with my Mother to visit or help Mother find a dress. She was a very classy lady.

Grandma was an excellent homemaker and cook. Her rasberry jam was to die for. What a treat to endulge a in a big piece of homemake bread, freash out of the oven with butter and rasberry jam.

Christmas and birthday gifts were the best. Jenene and I usually received identical gifts. One year, we were given a darling set (l medium and small) of suitcases; mine was pink, and Jenene’s, red. They were used for traveling, as well as for play. I think we have pictures of my bothers using them as well. We kept them forever until they were so banged up; I think Mom finally made us throw them away. Another special gift was a baby Grande piano music box with a little pink doll dancing in front of a glass mirror. I recall my girls playing with it when they were little. It was a one of those gifts you always dreamed of receiving. Another very special gift was a metal, miniature Singer sewing machine that really worked! I have it on display in my sewing room. What a fun gift.

Another fun memory was traveling to California with Grandpa and Grandma to see Aunt Margaret. We drove a dodge dart, no air conditioning, and drove 50 miles an hour. It was a horrendous long trip across the desert, but oh, we had such a great time and wonderful memories, never to forget.

I can just imagine Grandma Jennie looking down at her grand-daughters and great-grand-daughters and I'm positive she would have to be so tickled and proud knowing her love of sewing and quilting has passed on.